LAMU, Kenya, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Security officers have launched a major manhunt for Al-Shabaab fighters who hijacked a vehicle carrying six Kenyans including a senior government official on Thursday in the coastal region of Lamu.
Coast Administration Police commander James Akoru said the six were abducted by about 30 heavily armed militants at Milihoi area on the Lamu-Mpeketoni highway.
A local police officer said the vehicle is suspected to have been carrying Public Works Principal Secretary Maryam Elmaawy who had just completed an infrastructure meeting in Lamu and was going to visit families who fled their homes due to insecurity caused by Al-Shabaab attacks in the area.
The officer said two other vehicles which had been held were released while the Toyota Prado in which senior government official was travelling in was driven to the vast Boni Forest which the militants have been using as their hideout.
"Their fate remains unknown," the police officer said of the incident which took place at around 3 pm.
"We are investigating the incident and sent officers to pursue the suspects who are believed to be hiding in vast forest," said the officer.
Police are now calling on members of the public to come forth with any information regarding the suspects to assist in efforts aimed at combating violent extremism in the country.
Security has since been beefed up in the coastal region to deter attacks perpetrated by suspected Al-Shabaab militants.
Kenya military has claimed that the attacks in Lamu are being executed by Al-Shabaab working with local militias. The military sources said the militants were recruited and trained within the vast Boni forest. Enditem
